Welcome to the MacLean Lab

We study how the structure of neurotransmitter-gated ion channels produces their unique biophysical and functional properties and also how these properties enable the receptors to fulfill specific roles in the brain. Our focus is on two families of ion channels: ionotropic Glutamate Receptors (iGluRs) and Acid Sensing Ion Channels (ASICs). To better understand these channels we combine patch clamp electrophysiology, kinetic and molecular modeling, fluorescence spectroscopy, unnatural amino acid incorporation and basic molecular biochemical techniques.